'Not a chance' - Villa fans on whether Agbonlahor should get new contract

Gabriel Agbonlahor of Aston Villa during the Pre-Season Friendly against AFC Telford United.

Gabriel Agbonlahor has been told by Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness that he now needs to prove he deserves a new contract at the club.

The forward's current deal with the Villans expires at the end of the season and therefore he could potentially start discussing terms with other teams in January.

Steve Bruce, manager of Aston Villa, looks on with Colin Calderwood during the Sky Bet Championship match against Sunderland.

"Gabby is into his last year of a contract for the first time in a while," Wyness told the Birmingham Mail.

"He did work hard when Steve Bruce came in to get himself fit. He's been unfortunate with a couple of injuries since then. But he's got to work for it. For anything to happen it’s down to him."

Agbonlahor is the club's all-time leading Premier League scorer with 73 goals and is also their longest serving current player having come through the academy in 2005 and played 388 games in all competitions since.

However, in more recent times the 31-year-old has had fitness and injury concerns and has made just four appearances this term.

Agbonlahor has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park under manager Steve Bruce and therefore the question of whether they should extend his stay is debateable.

Yes at Walsall/Hednesford or his much preferred MLS.No problem with Gabby .He's had his time and a good run .just not happened for 4 years due to fitness, attitude, managerial changes and team being all over the place .Scored a lot of important goals for us.#utv

The only way he should get a new contract is if he manages to stay injury free and score 10+ goals between now and the end of the season, but even then would only offer him a 1 year deal and on much lower wages. Apart from that, time to say goodbye. #AVFC

Tom Seymour

Tom is a freelance sports journalist with more than four years' experience in the industry; having also worked in radio and newspapers, as well as online. A Sheffield United fan who now lives in Bristol, Tom can be spotted at Huish Park at Yeovil Town's home games when he also does a bit of commentary.